Students: The Heart of the Mission

Students are the focus of everything we do at Orono Schools.  Academic excellence, developing relationships, and mental health are top priorities.  From our littlest learners at the Discovery Center to our AP students at high school, we need to provide ladders and scaffolding so that students can reach new heights and also be supported when they are challenged.  Every student deserves high expectations.  The district strategic goals of Scholarship, Character, and Connectedness are at the center of this mission.

Families: Partners in Education

Families play a crucial role in the educational journey of their children.  I am committed to fostering strong partnerships with parents, keeping them informed and engaged in school activities and decision-making processes.  Open communication and collaboration are key.  Opportunities to visit the classroom help build relationships between teachers and other families, as well. Those connections are what make our Orono community special.      

Teachers: The Pillars of our Schools

Orono teachers inspire, guide, and nurture our students every day.  I am dedicated to supporting our educators by providing competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and a positive working environment.  I have served on the Negotiations, Staff Development, and Teacher Meet and Confer Committees to further these ends.  By valuing and investing in our teachers, we ensure they have the resources and motivation to continue to deliver high quality education.  

Auxilary Staff: The Unsung Heroes

Our schools would not function without these crucial employees.  Custodians help maintain our facilities.  Educational support staff keep our offices running smoothly.  Kitchen employees prepare and serve breakfast and lunch.  Paraeducators work with students and teachers to enhance the educational experience.  Attracting and retaining these staff during a challenging employment market is critical to the smooth operation of our schools.  

Taxpayers: The Financial Backbone

I recognize that taxpayers entrust the school board with the responsibility of managing public funds wisely.  Fiscal responsibility and transparency are essential in maintaining this trust.  I am committed to using taxpayer dollars effectively to enhance our schools, maintain our facilities, and support educational programs that benefit the entire community.  I will continue to ensure a good return on investment for taxpayers while meeting the needs of our schools.